LANGUAGES

Arabic is the official language and is spoken throughout the country.
Much of the population is bilingual, with French as the main second
language. There are also significant numbers of English, Armenian, and
Turkish speakers. The distinctive Lebanese Arabic dialect contains
various relics of pre-Arabic languages and also shows considerable
European influence in vocabulary.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Lebanon has been a charter member of the UN since 24 October 1945 and
belongs to ESCWA and all the nonregional specialized agencies. It is the
host to UNRWA and UNIFIL and is one of the founding members of the Arab
League. Lebanon also is a member of G-77, and a signatory of the Law of
the Sea. Lebanon has observer status at the WTO.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Much of Lebanon's livestock was lost during the protracted
hostilities since the 1975–76 war and the Israeli invasion in
1982. In 2001 there were an estimated 399,000 goats, 329,000 sheep,
78,000 head of cattle, and 32,000,000 poultry. As Lebanon's
own meat and milk production is below consumption needs, animal and
milk products are imported.

FISHING

The fishing industry has not progressed significantly, despite a
government-sponsored effort to reduce fish imports and provide
employment in the canned-fish industry. The catch in 2000 was 3,666
tons.

FORESTRY

Forests comprised about 36,000 hectares (89,000 acres), or nearly 3.5%
of the total area, in 2000. Most of the forests are in the central part
of the country, with pine and oak predominant. Few of the ancient cedars
have survived; small cedar forests have been planted at high altitudes.
Roundwood production in 2000 was 26,000 cu m (917,000 cu ft).

INSURANCE

Activities of insurance companies are regulated by the National
Insurance Council. All insurance companies must deposit a specific
amount of money or real investments in an approved bank and must retain
in Lebanon reserves commensurate with their volume of business. There
are at least 85 insurance companies operating in Lebanon, most of them
national insurance companies. In 1999, there was $134 million spent on
insurance in Lebanon.

TAXATION

A graduated tax is imposed on individual salaries, real profits, and
real estate income. Corporations and joint stock companies generally are
taxed on net real profits derived in Lebanon at a flat rate of 10%, and
5% on dividends. Also levied are inheritance and gift taxes, social
security payroll taxes, flat and graduated property taxes, and a stamp
duty.

FAMOUS LEBANESE

Khalil Gibran (Jibran, 1883–1931), a native of Lebanon, achieved
international renown through his paintings and literary works. He is
best known for his long poem
The Prophet.
Charles Habib Malik (1906–87), for many years Lebanon's
leading diplomat, was president of the 13th UN General Assembly in
1958/59.